Team USA group games in the Philippines

SEVENTH place four years ago, Team USA begins its bid to regain the Fiba Basketball World Cup title in the Philippines.
The Americans are set to play their group games in the country as hosts are allowed to choose their preferred teams for the preliminaries “based on commercial reasons.”
Japan picked world No. 7 Slovenia, expected to be led by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
Indonesia, the third co-host, chose a Canada team that is expected to be bannered by Andrew Wiggins.
The qualifiers end in February and the draw for the 32-team field is set in April.
Justin Brownlee naturalization

JUSTIN Brownlee moved a step closer to gaining Filipino citizenship as the Senate approved on third and final reading the naturalization bill for the American basketball player.
With the House of Representatives also having a similar bill on Brownlee, a bicameral committee is now set to be formed for amendments before the bill is transmitted to Malacanang for President Bongbong Marcos' signature.
Brownlee is expected to suit up for the Gilas Pilipinas in the sixth window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers against Lebanon and Jordan as well as future international tournaments.
Jordan Clarkson is lined up as the Philippines’ naturalized player for the Fiba Basketball World Cup tournament proper.
Pinto update

NARDS Pinto is eager to return to action from an ankle injury as Ginebra prepares to meet Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
“Hopefully, makalaro na ako. Everyday naman nagi-improve yung ankle ko,” added the 32-year-old guard out of Arellano University.
Pinto sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain in the Kings’ elimination-round game against the NorthPort Batang Pier over two weeks ago. He is expected to be out three to four weeks, but Pinto is raring to go.
The best-of-five series starts on Wednesday.
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